Sissy McGill fought to create the first natural dog food in the U.S—at a time when men documented the pet food industry.

The founder of Solid Gold stated, “And they say, ‘Oh are you the delegate for Mr. McGill?’ I said ‘No, I’m Mrs. McGill.’ Silence. ‘We don’t do business with women.’ Clunk.”

McGill started Solid Gold in 1974. It was the first all-natural dog food ever made in the U.S. She even fought the FDA in court to sell her products and spent six months in jail. But that didn’t stop her.

Her Great Danes inspired her to create the natural pet food—they were her babies. Two of them died of bloat, where the stomach expands and twists, making it hard to breathe. So, she began to analyze German dog food to figure out what was different. Their food didn’t contain soy, wheat, or corn, and all their ingredients were natural.

She started making her own with superfoods and giving out samples at dog shows. The food was a hit and McGill began selling and advertising it internationally. Solid Gold continued to grow and develop more products like natural vitamin supplements. The Queen of England even bought it for her horses—now that’s a big compliment!